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Craps How To Play

The game of craps is quite old and has had many rules changes throughout its history. But today, the same basic rules will apply no matter where or with whom you play.

Craps is an exciting game. Just look around at any casino, and the craps table is where a lot of action and excitement are. But upon looking at the table and amount of employees needed, it is no wonder why some people are intimidated, and don't bother to play, or even learn how to play.

But the truth is, once you learn the essentials and play even one game, it is quite addicting! It is also the only game in the casino where the house has no clear advantage over the players (on SOME, not all bets). The reasons for this will be explained later, but this information alone should be enough to make you want to learn the game. If this is the case with you, then read on!

First, let's talk about the table. The craps table may have several players, but it also has several casino employees, too! Here is a list, and what they do:

  1. The Boxman- This person is the 'boss' of the table. They keep tabs of everything going on. No matter if you are paying online or offline, they are in charge of the table, and their decisions are final, no matter what. They sit behind the middle of the table.
  2. Dealers- There are two dealers, one on each side of the boxman. Their job is to pay the winners and rake in the chips of those who placed losing bets.
  3. The Stickman- This person stands across from the boxman and dealers, on the players side of the table. Where he stands is called the center box. They control the pace and action at the table. They call for bets, and once they see that all bets are down, they pass the dice to the thrower.

Now that you know what the function of each employee at the table is, it is time for you to learn how YOU will participate. One person at a time will actually be rolling the dice. But there are a few other ways to participate as well, all of which include some type of betting. Here is a list-

  1. Pass bet
  2. Don't Pass bet
  3. Proposition bets

These will be explained in their entirety as you learn how to play. First, let's explain the object of the game, this way you can learn how to bet the most effectively. The goal in craps, if you are the roller, is to establish a number called a "point" number. Once the point has been set, the way to win is to roll that same number again, BEFORE you roll a seven. If you roll a seven first, you have "sevened out", and you lose. Your turn ends, and the person to your left takes their turn to roll, which is called the "shooter" in craps terms.

You determine what your point number is simply by rolling the dice. Only the numbers 4,5,6 and 8,9,10 qualify to be a point number. If you roll a 7 or 11 on your first roll, this is called a 'natural', and you win! Everyone who made a 'pass line' bet wins, too! They essentially were betting that you would either roll a 7 or 11 on the first role, or roll your point number before rolling craps. If you do roll a natural, you retain the dice and try to make another point number.

If you should roll a 2, 3 or 12 on your first roll, you have rolled craps, which means you and all who made a pass line bet lose. Those who bet against you on the don't pass line will win. If you roll craps on your first toss, you still retain the dice for another turn. The first toss of a new turn is called the "Come Out" roll.

Now you have learned the basics of being the shooter and making the two most basic bets, (both of which basically pay even money, thus the house has no clear advantage here), it is time to complicate things a bit more. There are a multitude of other bets that you can place called 'proposition bets, all with differing odds. You can place bets anytime after the come out roll.

Of course, before you place a bet you must have chips. To get chips, simply place the amount of money you want changed down on the table. NEVER try to hand money to a dealer or stickman, as they are not allowed to take money. If you lay down a 20 and want small denominations of chips, let them know. Of course, you won't find dollar chips at a table with a minimum bet of 20, so spend accordingly.

Once you have your chips, decide how you want to bet, and place your chips on the appropriate area of the table. The easy bets are pass and don't pass, and are easily seen on the table, as these have a large area that circles the entire table. The proposition bets are the more complicated bets, because you are basically betting that a specific thing will happen.

For example, you can make a 'place' bet on 9. This means that you are betting that the shooter will roll a 9 BEFORE they roll their point number or crap out. Most proposition bets are harder to win on, but with this comes higher odds and therefore, a higher payout. Here is a list of the proposition bets, and their listed odds:

  1. Seven - A one-time bet, you are betting money that the shooter will roll this exact number. This bet will yield a 4:1 payoff, though actual odds are 5:1.
  2. Eleven - The exact same as a 7, only you are betting on an 11 roll. The payoff is 14:1, though actual odds are 17:1
  3. Place bets - You are betting that they will roll a particular number before making the point number or rolling craps. Betting on a 4 or 10 will pay 9:5 (true odds 10:5), 5 and 9 bets will pay 7:5, 6 and 8 bets yield 7:6 odds (true odds 6:5).
  4. Buy bets - This means you are paying a 5% "vigorish" to get true odds on all numbers, which reduces the house advantage.
  5. Hard ways - One of the worst bets in terms of odds (and best in payouts), this is a bet on a 4, 6, 8 and 10, and you can only win if a double is rolled to achieve this number. In other words, a double two is the only way to win on a 4, a double three on 6, and so on. Four and ten pay 7:1, and 6 and 8 pay 9:1.
  6. Field - One-roll bet on the 2 or 12. This will pay either even money or 2:1.
  7. Any craps - Another one-roll bet, you get 7:1 odds that the shooter will roll a 2, 3 or 12.
  8. Big 6 and 8 - Means that you get even money instead of the 6:5 odds on a 6 or 8 roll.
  9. Horn bet - You are handing your money to the dealer on this one, betting that a 2,3,11 or 12 will be rolled. The odds are 15:1 for a 3 or 11 and 30:1 on a 2 or 12.
  10. Odds - Once a point number has been established, you are playing odds that the point will be made. If the point is a 4 or 10 the odds are 2:1, a 5 or 9 will yield 3:2, and 6:5 odds are for 6 and 8.

With all of these bets, it may be hard to remember what pays what. This is OK, stick to the basic pass and don't pass bets at first, and ease yourself in to the proposition bets. Another thing to remember is that the dealers are there to help! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask, in craps they are there to help you out with any problems or to clear up any confusion.

If you want more information about these bets, there is an accompanying strategy guide, rules and glossary on this website to help you out. They are just a click away!